Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Poor Sleep In An Infant Be Managed?

My grandson is 4 months old Saturday and he has stopped sleeping. Fights it; and will not nap. He also is breastfed and has quit eating as much. About 1/2 what he was doing up until last week. They still swaddle him but that is not working. He is not as active nor talkative yet he has no other symptoms. Seems healthy, just these changes.
Fri, 31 Aug 2018
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi,

The usual amount of sleep for an infant your grandson's age is 9-12 hours at night plus 2-4 hours of naptime.

Infant sleep behavior should be understood in the context of the relationship and interaction between infant and caregiver which impacts greatly on the quality and quantity of sleep.

How long has your grandson had trouble with sleeping? Temporary sleep disturbances that occur with acute illness usually are self-limited. Certain factors are associated with chronic sleep problems such as inability to self-soothe, difficult temperament, maternal depression, and insecure maternal-infant attachment.

How much is he crying? Vomiting? Does his diet consist of anything other than breast milk? What about baby's environment? Noisy? Proper temperature? Smoking? Too bright? Does he sleep in his own bed?

If he is not feeding as well at the breast as he used to, he could be losing weight. Should he be losing weight this is a situation that must be investigated immediately.

I wish you were able to share more information with me. However, in the USA, one of the well baby office visits with his pediatrician is at four months of age.

Addendum: breast milk is not a good source of Vitamin D. If he is not already taking this vitamin, he should have Vitamin D daily.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Poor Sleep In An Infant Be Managed?

Hi, The usual amount of sleep for an infant your grandson s age is 9-12 hours at night plus 2-4 hours of naptime. Infant sleep behavior should be understood in the context of the relationship and interaction between infant and caregiver which impacts greatly on the quality and quantity of sleep. How long has your grandson had trouble with sleeping? Temporary sleep disturbances that occur with acute illness usually are self-limited. Certain factors are associated with chronic sleep problems such as inability to self-soothe, difficult temperament, maternal depression, and insecure maternal-infant attachment. How much is he crying? Vomiting? Does his diet consist of anything other than breast milk? What about baby s environment? Noisy? Proper temperature? Smoking? Too bright? Does he sleep in his own bed? If he is not feeding as well at the breast as he used to, he could be losing weight. Should he be losing weight this is a situation that must be investigated immediately. I wish you were able to share more information with me. However, in the USA, one of the well baby office visits with his pediatrician is at four months of age. Addendum: breast milk is not a good source of Vitamin D. If he is not already taking this vitamin, he should have Vitamin D daily. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.